It may seem like you've only just had fireworks for the New Year, but February marks another time to celebrate with firecrackers.

There's officially one month go until Chinese New Year begins. Monday, February 8 will mark the start of the annual festival or Lunar New Year as it is also known.

How did it all begin?

Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year.

Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality.

How many days until Chinese New Year?

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The year of the monkey

2016 is the year of the monkey, which is the ninth of the 12-year cycle of animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar.

According to scriptures, those born under the Monkey possesses character traits such as curiosity, mischievousness, and cleverness.

Forever playful, Monkeys are said to be the masters of practical jokes. Even though their intentions are always good, this desire to be a prankster has a tendency to create ill will and hurt feelings.

How is it celebrated?

Traditions differ, but the main message of Chinese New Year is for families to come together and wish each other peace and prosperity for the year ahead.

On Chinese New Year’s Eve, families will gather together for the ‘family reunion dinner’ and gifts are exchanged. People wear red clothes, decorate with poems on red paper, and give children "lucky money" in red envelopes.

Red symbolizes fire, which according to legend can drive away bad luck. The fireworks that shower the festivities are rooted in a similar ancient custom.

Long ago, people in China lit bamboo stalks, believing that the crackling flames would frighten evil spirits.